History - Central Foundation Boys' School

About the Course

Pupils follow the National Curriculum and study British and World History from 1066 to the present day. In Year 7 we cover the era 1066 to 1603, Year 8 study aspects of life between 1603 and 1901, and Year 9 focus on the 20th century. We organise our curriculum around the themes of Ruling, Living and Working, and Moving and Travelling.

Year 10 and 11 follow the Edexcel Modern World History course which covers 4 topics: Warfare and British society c.1250–present (including London and the Second World War 1939–45), the reigns of King Richard I and King John 1189–1216, Superpower relations and the Cold War 1941–91, and Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918–39. This course is assessed on exams at the end of Year 11.

History is a richly rewarding subject to study at A-level as it combines academic rigour with fascinating stories. It is considered one of the eight “facilitating subjects” by the Russell Group universities as it teaches you skills that are transferable to many different degrees. It is rated as one of four “hard” A Level subjects by the Russell Group, and it enhances employability due to the development of skills such as communication, problem-solving and making judgements.

KS3

What they will learn

Pupils will acquire a broad historical knowledge and understanding, and will develop their historical skills, including the ability to handle evidence effectively, and to communicate their ideas clearly.

How it will be assessed

Assessed tasks are completed each half term, with teachers reporting to pupils on their achievements and areas for future improvement. Additional assessed tasks may be conducted if necessary to assess certain skills. Pupils are involved in peer and self assessment as part of the teaching process. A yearly formal exam is also taken.

KS4

What they will learn

Pupils will learn about some of the major developments of the 20th century, acquiring a broad historical knowledge and understanding, and they will focus on some topics in depth. They will develop historical skills including the ability to conduct independent research, evaluate representations, select and deploy evidence, and to communicate their ideas effectively in writing.

How it will be assessed

Assessed tasks based on exam questions are completed at least half termly, with teachers reporting to pupils on their achievements and areas for future improvement. Additional assessed tasks are conducted as necessary to assess certain skills. Pupils are involved in self assessment as part of the teaching process.

There are 3 exams at the end of Year 11, varying between 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes.

Exam board

Edexcel Modern World History

KS5

What they will learn

The skills that are assessed are analysis, evaluation of evidence, evaluation of arguments, reaching evidence-based conclusions, and the ability to carry out independent research. Students will use these skills to study Britain and the nationalist challenge in India, culminating in the winning of independence in 1947 and its bloody Partition, the development of politics, society and culture in the USA in the 20th Century, a history of British experiences of warfare from 1790 to 1918, and the origins of the Cold War.

How it will be assessed

Students will be assessed under the Edexcel specification and will sit three exams at the end of Year 13. They also write one coursework essay worth 20% of the overall A-level on the origins of the Cold War.

Exam board

Edexcel

Graduates of History from university go on to work in diverse fields because of the transferable skills it develops: employers appreciate applicants with strong communication skills, problem-solving ability, and the ability to make evidence based judgements. This allows History graduates to work as lawyers, accountants, teachers, and in other professions, but also to work in fields such advertising, banking and journalism.

History is consistently regarded as a strongly academic subject in Higher Education. It provides a useful background to the study of all areas where critical and analytical skills are required. It provides students with essential organisational and research skills, and a solid understanding of the world around them. Many historians go on to study Law, Business studies, Philosophy, Sociology, Psychology, English and other humanities subjects, as well as History and Archaeology. However, the skills and academic demand inherent in the subject mean it will open doors to any degree at any university.

Head of Department:

Ms McMahon

Email:
McMahonH@cfbs.islington.sch.uk

A Level History

History